PICTURES: Brave and caring young people recognised at Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards
The Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards (AYHA) recognised 13 remarkable young people at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on Friday.
The young people were recognised for their bravery, caring for family members, being a special sibling, fundraising for the local community, achievements and showing courage in the face of adversity.
This year saw the addition of three new categories introduced by the team behind AYHA and they were – Child Mentor Award, Judge’s Inspiring Young Person Award and the Drummond School Pupil of the Year.
Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards was set up by Kelly Macrae in honour of her daughter Amelia Jo Kelly to recognise inspirational young people in the Highlands.
The difficult task of judging the awards was done by Graham Laughton from Macleod & MacCallum, Donald John and Jennifer Morrison from Caley Timber and Building Supplies and the Drummond Pupil of the Year was chosen by the teachers.
The winners
The winners of Amelia’s Young Highlander Awards were:
Amelia’s Keep on Swimming Award: Harry Ritchie-Mackenzie (aged 6), for a child who started their life fighting and continues to fight each and every day; sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies.
Riley MacLennan Child Warrior Award: Harry Wilson (aged 7) and Sam Douglas (aged 9), for a child who receives treatment every day, such as chemotherapy or physiotherapy, and just carries on as best they can; sponsored by North Coast Cars and presented by namesake Riley MacLennan himself who successfully beat cancer.
Leo Flett Child of Bravery Award: Aaron Nisbet (aged 7), for a child with a long-term illness who fights every day and continues to fight; sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies.
Child Mentor Award: Amelia Wilson (aged 8), for a child who has helped a younger person with something, i.e. school work, volunteering, helping a younger child; sponsored by Dicksons of Inverness.
Drummond School Pupil of the Year: Ruby Gilmour (aged 8), chosen by the teachers at Drummond School for a child that has made incredible progress; sponsored by Orion Group.
Child Fundraiser Award: Codi Steele (aged 10), for a child who has fundraised for charities or causes they believe in; sponsored by Stay at Clarsach.
Special Sibling Award: Ellie Nisbet (aged 11) and Tate Aaron Clark (aged 10), for a child who goes that extra mile to help care for their siblings and make sure they are okay; sponsored by The Midge Bite Café.
Child Carer Award: Leo Macleish (aged 13), for a child who cares daily for a parent, sibling, friend or neighbour, often forgoing their own childhood to look after others; sponsored by R&B's Inverness.
Child Achievement Award: Mia Macleod (aged 15), for a child who has excelled in their chosen hobby; sponsored by the Banister family.
Child of Courage Award: Stephen Hooper (aged 14), for a child who has overcome bullying, mental health issues and battles daily, yet still tries their best; sponsored by Cru Hospitality.
Judge’s Inspiring Young Person Award: Caoimhe Ross (aged 13), for a child who went above and beyond to support somebody in their community; sponsored by Caley Timber and Building Supplies.
